Mark du Plessis told some interesting stories about his time in his native Zimbabwe when he first arrived in New Zealand, but they were always slightly censored because his parents were still back there then.

They are now in New Zealand, a country the entire family are proud to call home. "Winning 500 races in New Zealand is no easier than anywhere else," said du Plessis, who has ridden extensively in Asia.

Du Plessis won the first race at Ellerslie yesterday on the impressive Petty Cury.